The Service and Food Workers Union Ng? Ringa Tota, which represents over 23,000 workers who cook, clean and care for New Zealanders is looking forward to working closely with the Labour Party in opposition.

"Now the leadership is decided, it's time for Labour to give one hundred per cent to providing a voice for working people and their families," said SFWU National Secretary John Ryall.

John Ryall said David Shearer was right to identify poverty as the key issue facing New Zealand.

"Our union strongly supports his call for a cross party approach to combatting poverty. We need a strong opposition that challenges policies that widen the growing gap between the haves and have nots in New Zealand."

John Ryall said the SFWU would talk with Shearer about the day-to-day realities of SFWU members and the need to continue the strong campaign for a $15 minimum wage and a living wage for all.

"Many of our members are struggling to exist on the minimum wage of $13 an hour. Our union will be campaigning hard to put pressure on the National-led government to substantially lift the minimum wage and bring hard-working New Zealanders out of poverty," he said. "We look forward to working with Labour and also the Greens and Mana to achieve this."